If their intent is to reveal themselves as they are, then they are incompetent manipulators.
Manipulation is done by concealing the nature of things, u/jubyeonin. If they reveal their character, they cannot later effectively manipulate/spin a story to the contrary.
Christian here. It's a little more complicated than that.
There is an attitude of contempt for, and disbelief in, God's Word that is revealed in this. That's what we recoil at, not the boogeyman of 666.
And I'd argue that this visible contempt isn't a manipulation tactic but a revelation of character.
This is exactly how they manipulate you.
If their intent is to reveal themselves as they are, then they are incompetent manipulators.
Manipulation is done by concealing the nature of things, u/jubyeonin. If they reveal their character, they cannot later effectively manipulate/spin a story to the contrary.